Upcoming Events Calendar

Education Programs

A field trip to the Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village is a one-of-a-kind interactive learning opportunity for your class that brings curriculum to life and creates lasting memories.

Social Studies - Grades 1 to 6

History and Geography - Grades 7 to 8

At the Waterloo Region Museum we stay informed regarding current Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum being taught in Ontario Schools. We make it our goal to ensure that programs are linked to and in harmony with curriculum and we offer excellent educational value and fun for your students.

We are aware of the new History, Geography and Social Studies Curriculum that was introduced in September 2014, and have been in consultation with local school board officials regarding this curriculum. We think the changes to the curriculum are exciting from a historical perspective.

We have updated our existing programs and introduced some new offerings, including revised learning resources for teachers.

General InformationPlease discuss with your students as a minimum preparation:

a definition of the term museum.

the special consideration visitors to museums should show, for example, why not to touch objects unless asked to, and then carefully.

Appropriate Clothing Please ensure that students are dressed for the weather and for a variety of outdoor activities. Portions of many of our programs may take place in the museum galleries or the heritage village. Most village buildings are heated but are often still quite cool early or late in the year.

Personal Protection Doon Heritage Village is located on 60 acres of land, including environmentally sensitive forest and marsh land. We advise that on all outdoor school trips, you and your students take precautions against West Nile Virus.

Washrooms Washrooms are located at the museum entrance and in the village.

Lunch Please inform us if you will be eating lunch at the site as a lunch room is available for students. Group lunch catering is also available for an additional fee, and advance reservations are required. No food is allowed in the galleries or the heritage village.

Admissions and Payment Admission cost is $5 per student for 1/2 day programs and $10 per student for full day programs. One teacher/adult per six students is admitted free of charge. Additional adults are $5 per person for half day programs and $10 per person for full day programs.

Admissions should be paid upon arrival - VISA, MasterCard, Interac, cash or cheque - payable to the Waterloo Region Museum. Receipts will be issued. Schools can also be invoiced at the time of your visit.

Note student admission is higher for some educational programs such as the Groundwater Festival.

Please inquire about admission costs prior to making your booking.

Times Program times may vary. Please discuss timing of your program at the time of booking. We strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate bus schedules.

At the End of Your Program/Day Feel free to use the picnic areas for class activities or picnics but please do not re-enter the galleries or heritage village as you may interfere with other programs.

Visit Details

1. Upon arrival at the Waterloo Region Museum, the class will be met by one of our staff and given a general introduction to the site and their program. At this time, the teacher will be directed to pay admission or arrange for invoicing.

2. Following the introduction, each of the teacher/adult supervisors will be given a site guide and itinerary for their program. With most programs, there is not sufficient time to visit all buildings or exhibits at the museum.

3. Groups then leave the orientation area for the galleries or heritage village, escorted by one of our Guest Services Staff.

4. At each scheduled location, one of our historical interpreters will present the program and conduct student activities. Staff will also keep time for the program. Please stay on schedule where possible by going directly to your next program location. Do not visit locations other than those designated for your program as you may interfere with other programs in progress

5. Following your program, the groups may reassemble in the museum foyer prior to departure.